The McLaren Award 2014
In one weeks time the deadline for submitting entries for the Edinburgh film Festival will pass. Animators should take extra note as this years edition is somewhat historic falling on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Norman McLaren as well as being the 25th edition of the award that bears his name being handed out.
The McLaren award has a history in displaying the extraordinary diversity of animation extolling the virtues of its pioneering namesake. Many familiar names have won the award in the past including Suzie Templeton, Will Anderson, Neville Astley with last years award being picked up by Mikey Please for Marilyn Myller. Mikey Please and co-animator Dan Ojari then took the prize money and created The Jolly Dot as a tribute to Richard Williams (guest of honour at the festival) and Norman McLaren with an additional dollop of inspiration from Ivor Cutler.
The rota of previous winners displays a variety of films that not only display an originality and diverse and sometimes unique approach to methods used to construct the films that perhaps echo the work of McLaren but they also seem to be lasting films which warrant repeat viewings either in awe of the technique or for the sheer joy of it here is a short selection of previous winners. If you fancy joining the lineup of past recipients the deadline is the 18th February 2014.
A is for Autism by Tim Webb. Winner 1992
Pib and Pog by Peter Peake. Winner 1995
Dog by Suzie Templeton. Winner 2001
Rabbit by Run Wrake. Winner 2006
Photograph of Jesus by Laurie Hill. Winner 2009
Stanley Pickle by Victoria Mather. Winner 2010